Startup Stories: Krysta from Sugar Love Chocolates

Krysta Bea Jackson is the the founder of Sugar Love Chocolates, a local chocolate company that has a store located in Midtown Reno on South Virginia street, as well as an online presence. Krysta is a seller of perishable foods, so she certainly faces some interesting regulations and roadblocks.

Reid: What is Sugar Love Chocolates?

Krysta: Sugar Love Chocolates uses real ingredients from around the world to create unique flavor combinations. The business is both manufacturing and retail (online and in physical stores).

R: Why did you start Sugar Love Chocolates?

K: I had been feeling the itch for another company after selling my first. I had worked in chocolate for years and knew the industry pretty well. I like working in industries that are unsophisticated as I feel like it’s easier to grow quickly within them.

R: What advice would you give to those that are interested in starting up their own business?

K: If you’ve never had a real job (not just a part time sales gig during school), then don’t start a business yet. Going into business is one of the most long-term and strategic activities you can undertake. So going in with no research is foolish. Having a job in the industry of your choosing can teach you lots if you’re paying attention. It also teaches you good skills as a professional that are invaluable. In general, research your project until your friends are annoyed that everything you talk about somehow leads back to your business.

Going into business is one of the most long-term and strategic activities you can undertake.

R: What skills would you say are most important to being successful in entrepreneurship?

K: An ability to be both blind to facts (most startups fail) and also take them into account to preserve your business.

R: Where do you see your business in 10 years?

K: In 10 years, there will be 10 retail stores throughout the US with one in Vancouver and potentially my first store in Asia. At that point I will be founder and not CEO, the company will be being groomed for acquisition.

R: Are there any books that you can recommend for aspiring entrepreneurs?

K: There are too many to list but currently I’m reading Start with Why by Simon Sinek and am finding lots to chew on. My advice would be to be constantly reading.